If this isn't the right place to post this, please move where necessary. I'm usually in the racing section and not much around the tech side so I apologize.


Here soon I am planning on buying a bare block to start an LS build. I come from Coyotes so I am not really keen on LS's when it comes to most things besides the basics. I am going to be doing a long build to swap into a C5z in the future and since I am going to buy my block in the next coming month(s) I am gonna start searching for answers.

First thought I had was to buy a 6.0L block and do a 408ci assembly in it. I was likely gonna do Molnar PWR ADR rods (Molnar is huge in the Mod Motor world and everyone loves them and they are proven to hold a lot of power) and Diamond pistons.


Second thought was the basic 5.3, and do whatever people have been doing CI wise for that block that would work really well with boost.


Third is the obvious 388 setup. What block/internals are most running with that setup? I'm not trying to spend a **** ton on a Dart block or something of that nature. This is why the 6.0/408 has my attention because it's cheap, proven, and will hold whatever I want to throw at it.

Power goals will be anywhere from 800-1200 or so whenever I would feel the need to turn it up and not be a scared ***** with the car.

Setup will be one of the top, unless I find a more efficient route, paired with a good set of heads, Mamo MSD, LS9 gaskets, and I'm still up in the air on a YSi or single turbo, engine bay mount. I had a turbo Coyote and liked it (just seems like it'll be a bit of a bitch to get a large sized turbo to fit in the engine bay) but I really enjoy a nicely setup Centri. However, everyone knows turbos run the world so it's gonna be a good option.

If the plan in the end is to go turbo, it’ll likely get an 88/91 or something else around that size.

Compression is another thing with LS's. I know Coyote's love 11:1-11.5:1 but LS's are a tad different. Would 10.5:1 be too much with a car running that power levels on pump E85 all the time? 10.5:1 would be the area I want to try to shoot for, but am not above going lower.

I am sure I will think of more questions to ask and I will update this thread when I do, I'm sure most of them will be noob questions too so bare with the Coyote guy here lol.

 

Junkyard 6.0 bored to 408 with a big t6 s480 would get it done, callies crank,rods, weisco or diamond piston, is a pretty good combo get with Tony Mamo on some killer heads, as far as compression goes 10:1 ish more or less on e85 you will be good to roll since you said your putting it in a c5 i would look at a twin kit for space, Huron speed has awesome kits and amazing service, just a quick reply hope I could help some others will chime in with better replies and welcome to the LS world.

 

Brian Tooley Racing sells a 388 for blower/turbo setups.

 

I’m not doing a twin kit. I’ll be doing a custom single that’ll mount in the engine bay instead. I had twins on my Coyote and want to go a different route this time.

Didn’t even think about that. That may be the best route to go then... I’ve read and been told the 388 would be better and more efficient in about every way as compared to the 408 I originally wanted to do.

 

Stroke is pointless for anything you are trying to do

 

Stock crank Aluminum 5.3 with Rods and pistons

Done

 

I very well may do that, because I can find an aluminum 5.3 near me that's been cleaned etc... for CHEAP. Then rods and pistons aren't **** to buy either.

How's your setup rolling with that turbo?

 

Should be back in the car this weekend and starting to wire up the Holley as well,

Mines a SBE, Stock heads, Stock intake yadda yadda and I'm looking to make in the middle of what you're going after

Your goals do not need anything crazy as far as a parts list, Cool thing about the LS stuff it's cheap for a pretty long time when you talk relative to other stuff but just like anything once you go so far.....It's all expensive as **** lol

 

Yep lol but this is a lot cheaper than it would've costed me to get my Coyote build. Shortblocks for those to hold 1200 are ******* pricey.

I don't wanna mess with SBE stuff since this will be a long winded build. I think if I did like you said with the 5.3, and kept things simple, this build wouldn't be extremely bad on the wallet. The turbo/turbo kit is the only thing that might get a little expensive since nobody seems to make forward facing headers for a C5. Probably gonna have to have everything made from scratch.

Are you not gapping the rings or anything either?

 

225k miles on the short block

Gapped enough

 

LOL. I’m curious on how yours will roll with the S480, rhat was one option for the turbo route for me as well.

I’ll be looking around for an aluminum 5.3 or 6.0 and buying whichever I find the better deal on.

 

I am running a LME 408 with a T4 Borg Warner S480 96mm turbine and 1.25 A/R exhaust housing. Car makes 935 to wheels on 20 pounds. I am planning on going to either a T6 or twins because I am know I am being held back some but it lights off pretty quick as it sits.

 

Hi ITS, I too work with the Coyotes BOTH 3.5 (sleeved to 4.0) and the V-8.
John Mihovetz is my friend and has has run my ECU on his mustang.

I believe you will use a GEN-IV 5.3 AL as your base ?

I increase the bore to 98mm AND fit Steel Main caps.
I have a 4.1" Forged Crankshaft (MY crankshaft@$650.00 1850 BW) MY 6.125" Forged Rods $510.00(ARP 2000), Forged Racetech Pistons. (offset pin)
I have also installed Oil Jets in the crankcase main area for piston cooling. (Viper friend's product).

I use "C' heads with big EX Valve, TBSS intake, 1041 Felpro with BFG rings.

I often use a Z-06 Camshaft (1200HP@22.lbs bench)

Stock rockers with CHE, MY head studs, timing set (AVON), Super Tech Valves, PSI1511ML springs.
I fit a 2010 Camaro Oil Pump.

JUST a "money pit" waste on heads, fancy intake, etc. !

Lance

 

a 4.100 stroke on a tiny bore for his goals seems like literally pissing money away

 

4.1" stroke in a stock block turbo car? Lol

 

I’m saying...

 

You are making this way to hard OP.

 

I vote ls3 block stock bore and stroke, and forge it if you dont like sbe stuff. I like the bore for head flow and anymore stroke than stock just forces you to go to a bigger turbine to make the power. T6 s482 cast wheel with the 96x88 turbine. 6.0 truck block would be a good choice if you dont want to drop the coin on the aluminum 4.065 bore block.
just my opinion. Everybody got one ( ;

 

400 cubes and single requires huge turbine flow for your power goals. S480 T6 1.32 would be absolute smallest id go. id estimate 100rwhp at 20psi before turbine was struggling to flow.
id reckon S500 88mm comp and 99mm turbine with 1.15 or 1.45 divided T6 to flow and make 1200rwhp

6.2 S480 T6 1.32 would be perfect for 100rwhp at 20psi till flowing well

I have no experience with big power 5.3 or 5.7 to compare turbo.

that's only using borg warner units as an example because they're great value for money and bullet proof. most other manufacturers don't have big enough turbine to suit the compressor on an engine pushing so much gas for exhaust.

I have used a S475 on 403 cubes T6 1.10 because manual. it was showing signs of turbine flow limitations at 21psi 1060rwhp. that's where it was capped.

all power figures were quoted from a mainline pro hub dyno. typically much lower readout than mustang or dynojet

 

Stock block/crank are pretty much equally limited/matched power wise. No sense to replace one without the other IMO.

If you’re just getting into it, run a factory long block with a small cam and big boost. Guys going 7’s on factory pistons and rods too. Get it together first and work the bugs out with a cheapie motor. Then build a “nice” aftermarket short block on the side if you want more and drop it in when you’re ready. I agree with above. No need for big dollar top end parts with your goals. But always good to start with a stout foundation if you want reliability.

Someone needs to see what those new big boy ON3 turbos will do. 94mm and 107mm with the stainless Vband T6 housings (103mm exh wheels).